WWE Trademarks “Vice City,” But Don’t Panic, GTA 6 Fans
Recent news of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) filing a trademark for “Vice City” sent a ripple of concern through the Grand Theft Auto community, especially with the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI on the horizon. However, comprehensive details clarify that this move poses no threat to Rockstar Games’ upcoming title. The trademark is specifically tied to a WWE superstar and her branding, operating in a distinctly different entertainment sphere from video games.
Lola Vice: The Real Reason Behind the Filing
The trademark application, filed by WWE on August 4, 2026, with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), is directly related to rising NXT star Lola Vice. Reports indicate that Vice, a professional wrestler of Cuban heritage originally from Miami – the real-world inspiration for Vice City – is slated for a main roster call-up. The “Vice City” moniker is intended to be part of her established branding, leveraging her hometown roots.
The trademark’s description explicitly covers “Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service,” among other wrestling and sports entertainment-related services.
No Impact on Grand Theft Auto VI
Despite the alarming timing of the trademark filing just months before GTA VI‘s expected release, industry experts confirm that Rockstar Games’ use of “Vice City” for its video game franchise remains unaffected. Trademark law recognizes different classes of goods and services, meaning a trademark for wrestling entertainment does not grant rights over video game titles. The two entities operate in entirely separate commercial lanes.
Furthermore, an interesting corporate connection exists between the two entertainment giants. Rockstar Games is owned by Take-Two Interactive, which also owns 2K, the publisher of WWE’s popular video game series. This shared parent company makes a legal dispute over the name highly improbable, suggesting a degree of internal coordination or at least a mutual understanding across their diverse portfolios.
A Shared Universe of Entertainment
Ultimately, Grand Theft Auto fans can rest assured that GTA VI‘s return to the iconic Vice City will proceed as planned. The WWE’s trademark is a strategic branding move for one of its emerging talents, Lola Vice, and will not impede Rockstar’s highly anticipated release. Both entertainment powerhouses continue to thrive in their respective domains, with their versions of “Vice City” coexisting peacefully.
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Original source: GTA BOOM. All rights to the original reporting and visuals belong to that source.